An individual visiting Sullivan, Mo.-based Meremac State Park tested positive for a rare and likely tick-borne illness known as Bourbon virus.
The virus was first discovered in Bourbon, Kan., in 2014. While the CDC does not fully understand how the virus is transmitted to people, it suspects ticks or other insects are the primary vectors.
"The CDC [is] currently collecting ticks in Missouri for Bourbon virus testing. This will help to determine what the health risk is to people who are bitten by ticks," said the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. "The CDC, with help from Missouri, Kansas and other states, is looking for additional patients who may be infected with the Bourbon virus."
Known Bourbon virus symptoms include headache, body aches, fever, rash and fatigue. This case is reportedly only the fifth of its kind identified nationwide, according to a report from The Missourian. Several individuals died from the infection, according to the CDC.
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